# Water-soluble imidazolium-functionalized Cu(ii) complex as a recyclable catalyst for allylic and benzylic oxidation

## TL;DR

A new water-soluble copper catalyst allows efficient and eco-friendly oxidation reactions in water, and can be reused multiple times.

## Contribution

A recyclable, water-soluble Cu(ii) complex for green oxidation reactions under mild conditions.

## Key findings

- The catalyst works in water with TBHP for benzylic and allylic oxidations.
- It can be reused up to 8 times without significant loss of efficiency.
- Moderate to high conversion rates are achieved across various substrates.

## Abstract

A water-soluble imidazolium-functionalized Cu(ii) catalyst, used in combination with tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP), enables benzylic and allylic oxidations in H2O. The reaction proceeds under green conditions, open to air, at moderate temperatures, yielding moderate to high conversion across a broad range of substrates. The catalyst is easily recovered and can be used in subsequent reactions up to 8 times without a significant decrease in yield.

A water-soluble imidazolium-functionalized Cu(ii) catalyst, used in combination with tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP), enables benzylic and allylic oxidations in H2O.